Background on Orly Airport
Orly Airport, located in Paris, France, is the second busiest airport in the capital city, handling approximately half the passenger traffic of Charles de Gaulle International Airport. In 2021, Orly served around 33 million passengers.
System Failure Causes Chaos
On Sunday, a technical failure in the air traffic control systems at Orly’s control tower resulted in significant disruptions. Authorities reported that around 130 flights were canceled, accounting for roughly 40% of the airport’s scheduled departures and arrivals.
Details of the Cancellations
According to Aéroports de Paris, the organization managing Orly Airport, about half of the canceled flights were departures and the other half arrivals. The failure occurred between 4 PM and 11:30 PM local time, causing widespread delays and cancellations.
Impact on Passengers
The system failure led to long lines of frustrated passengers at airport counters and cafes. Many travelers contacted friends and family to inform them of flight delays or cancellations, as they awaited alternative travel arrangements.
Specific Incident
Agnes Zilouri, a 46-year-old woman, desperately sought a seat for her 86-year-old mother and six-year-old child. The family was supposed to fly to Uchda, Marruecos, for a funeral on Sunday afternoon. Despite the inconvenience, Zilouri expressed gratitude for being with her mother during this challenging time.
Extended Disruptions
In response to the unresolved technical issue, the French Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) requested airlines to cancel 15% of their Monday flights. This decision aimed to minimize further disruptions and ensure passenger safety.
Key Questions and Answers
- What caused the disruptions at Orly Airport? A technical failure in the air traffic control systems at Orly’s control tower led to the cancellation of approximately 130 flights.
- How many flights were affected? Around 130 flights, or about 40% of Orly’s scheduled departures and arrivals, were canceled.
- What percentage of Monday’s flights were asked to be canceled? The DGAC requested airlines to cancel 15% of their Monday flights due to the unresolved technical issue.
- Who manages Orly Airport? Aéroports de Paris is the organization responsible for managing Orly Airport.
- How many passengers does Orly Airport serve annually? In 2021, Orly Airport served approximately 33 million passengers.
